Are you worried your friend might be self harming? Here’s how you can spot the signs

Self-harm is a problem that is much more common than you would think. The first thing you need to know is that if someone is resorting to self-harm the chances of suicide are much lesser. A person who self-harms is using it as a form of coping mechanism. Normally, when someone says self-harm, we instantly think of cutting but cutting isn’t the only way a person can self-harm. There are many other ways a person can self-harm. A person who self-harms can scratch or rip their hair out as a form of self-harm. There are many other emotional ways to self-harm. But when it is physical self-harm, the signs are much easier to spot. They usually do it because they want to feel something. They want to replace their thoughts and feelings and distract themselves. The signs are easy to spot if you know the right thing to look out for. Here are some signs that can help you figure out if your loved one is self-harming.

1. They have unexplained injuries, cuts or scratches. They may have bald patches or you may notice too many hairs falling off and lying in their personal space. They blame the hair on hair loss and the scratches on the cats they were playing with! 

2. They have constant mood swings and their moods are extreme. Their moods can be scary and difficult to handle.

3. They try to cover up their arms and legs as much as possible. If a loved one is cutting or scratching, chances are that they scratch or cut around the arms, wrists or thighs or stomach. And no matter what weather it may be, they’ll try to cover up and stay covered as much as possible. They will about any activities where their scars will be exposed like swimming.

4. They have self-esteem problems. They think too low of themselves. They dislike themselves and have low self-esteem.

5. They are always in an emotional turmoil and it’s difficult for them to handle their emotions.

6. They suddenly become socially withdrawn. They only spend time with their loved one and the people who come to see them in their personal space. Other than that they avoid social gatherings.

7. They may be hiding a blade or a cutter in their bag or pocket or they may be keeping it locked up in that drawer that they refuse to open for you.

8. You may notice a change in their weight and eating habits and sleeping habits. A person resorting to self-harm usually has an underlying problem. Self-harm is a big hint of a bigger psychological disorder like depression or bipolar disorder or an eating disorder or a personality disorder.